People’s views on MCC must be given consideration: President

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz (left) with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday informed a top US diplomat that the people’s views in regard to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement must be given consideration.

According to the Presidential Media Division, Rajapaksa made the comment when he met visiting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, who was accompanied by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz.

Wells took to Twitter, stating that the US looks forward to strengthening ties by expanding cooperation.

“The US values its relationship with #SriLanka and looks forward to strengthening ties by expanding cooperation on econ and trade, counter-terrorism, security, transitional justice and human rights - both of our nations will benefit. – AGW,” she tweeted

Wells also met with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan and MP M.A. Sumanthiran where discussions took place on the importance of an inclusive Government in creating the best conditions for sustainable economic growth.

“Positive, constructive talks today with #GSL, opposition and civil society. The economy, elections & ways to strengthen our partnership part of every conversation. #Togetherwecan collaborate to generate FDI, secure #humanrights, & keep the #Indopacific safe,” tweeted Ambassador Teplitz reflecting on the discussion held during Wells’ visit.

The visiting US diplomat is on a nine-day tour of South Asia and is set to visit India and Pakistan in the following days.